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A Guide to the Best Credit Cards for a 600 Credit Score

Written By
G. Dautovic
Updated
December 25,2023
Some or all of the products/services listed on this page are from our affiliate partners from which we receive commissions. This, however, does not influence the evaluations in our reviews. Learn more by reading our Advertiser Disclosure.

Are you new to credit or need to rebuild your profile? If your current FICO score sits in the 600 to 650 range, chances are that you are struggling to qualify for the premium rewards cards with huge sign-up bonuses. Still, your credit score is high enough to make cards created for poor-credit consumers seem unattractive. 

After extensive research, we were able to pinpoint the needs of the consumer demographic you belong to and compile a list of the best credit cards for a 600 credit score. Choose any one of these cards, use it wisely and responsibly, and you’ll see a boost in your credit score in no time.

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Best Credit Cards for a 600 Credit Score in March 2024

Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® Logo

Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®

4.5 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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ANNUAL FEE: $0
APR: 14.99%-29.99%
CREDIT LIMIT: $500-$25,000
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE: Excellent, Good, Fair, Average
KEY FACTS
PRODUCT DETAILS
PROS & CONS
  • Pre-qualification: Yes
  • Rewards rate: 1.5% cash back
  • Other fees: Balance transfer fee of up to 5% and foreign transaction fee of up to 3%
  • Card network: Visa
Surge® Platinum Mastercard® Logo

Surge® Platinum Mastercard®

4 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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ANNUAL FEE: $75-$125, after that $99 - $125 annually
APR: 29.99% (variable)
CREDIT LIMIT: $300-$1,000 (initial)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE: 300-629
KEY FACTS
PRODUCT DETAILS
PROS & CONS
  • Pre-qualification: Yes
  • Rewards rate: N/A
  • Other fees: Monthly maintenance, cash advance, returned payment, and late payment fee
  • Card network: Mastercard
First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card Logo

First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card

4.5 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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Annual fee: $49
APR: 15.24% (variable)
Credit limit: $200+
Recommended credit score: Poor/Limited/No Credit
KEY FACTS
PRODUCT DETAILS
PROS & CONS
  • Pre-qualification: Yes 
  • Rewards rate: None 
  • Other fees: late payment fees, cash advance fees, transaction fees 
  • Card network: Mastercard
Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® Logo

Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®

4 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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ANNUAL FEE: See Terms
APR: 29.99% (variable)
CREDIT LIMIT: $300-$1,000 (initial)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE: 300-629
KEY FACTS
PRODUCT DETAILS
PROS & CONS
  • Pre-qualification: Yes
  • Rewards rate: N/A
  • Other fees: Cash advance, foreign transaction, late payment, additional card, and returned payment fee
  • Card network: Mastercard
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card Logo

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

4 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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Annual fee: $35
APR: 25.64% (variable)
Credit limit: $200-$3,000 (initial)
Recommended credit score: N/A
KEY FACTS
PRODUCT DETAILS
PROS & CONS
  • Pre-qualification: No
  • Rewards rate: No
  • Other fees: Cash advance, foreign transaction, late payment, and returned payment fee
  • Card network: Visa
Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card Logo

Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card

4.5 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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Annual fee: $48
APR: 9.99% (fixed)
Credit limit: $200 - $1,000
Recommended credit score: Poor/Fair
KEY FACTS
PRODUCT DETAILS
PROS & CONS
  • Pre-qualification: Yes 
  • Rewards rate: None 
  • Other fees: Cash advance, foreign transaction, late payment, and returned payment fees
  • Card network: Visa 

 

Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card Logo

Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card

4 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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Annual fee: $0
APR: 18.24% - 32.24% (variable)
Credit limit: $300-$10,000
Recommended credit score: 630-850
KEY FACTS
PRODUCT DETAILS
PROS & CONS
  • Pre-approval: Yes
  • Rewards rate: 1%-1.5% cash back on eligible purchases; 2%-10% cash back at select merchants
  • Other fees: None
  • Card network: Visa
Avant Credit Card Logo

Avant Credit Card

5 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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Annual fee: $0 - $59
APR: 24.99% - 29.99%
Credit limit: $300 - $1,000
Recommended credit score: 600-700
KEY FACTS
PRODUCT DETAILS
PROS & CONS
  • Pre-qualification: Yes
  • Rewards rate: N/A
  • Other fees: Cash advance and late payment fees
  • Card network: Mastercard
Capital One Platinum Credit Card Logo

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

5 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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Annual fee: $0
APR: 26.99% (variable)
Credit limit: $300+
Recommended credit score: 690–850
KEY FACTS
PRODUCT DETAILS
PROS & CONS
  • Pre-qualification: Yes
  • Rewards rate: N/A
  • Other fees: Cash advance and late payment fees
  • Card network: Mastercard

 

Capital One Secured Mastercard Logo

Capital One Secured Mastercard

5 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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Annual fee: $0
APR: 26.99% (variable)
Credit limit: $200+
Recommended credit score: 300-629
KEY FACTS
PRODUCT DETAILS
PROS & CONS
  • Pre-qualification: Yes
  • Rewards rate: N/A
  • Other fees: Cash advance, balance transfer, and late payment fees
  • Card network: Mastercard
Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit Logo

Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

4 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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Annual fee: $75 (first year); after that $99 annually ($8.25/month)
APR: 23.99% (variable)
Credit limit: $300+
Recommended credit score: 580-669
KEY FACTS
PRODUCT DETAILS
PROS & CONS
  • Pre-qualification: Yes
  • Rewards rate: 1% cash back on eligible gas, grocery purchases and mobile phone, internet, cable and satellite TV services. Terms apply
  • Other fees: Cash advance, foreign transaction, late payment, and returned payment fees
  • Card network: Visa
Discover it Secured Logo

Discover it Secured

4 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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Annual fee: $0
APR: 22.99% (variable)
Credit limit: $200+
Recommended credit score: 300-629
KEY FACTS
PRODUCT DETAILS
PROS & CONS
  • Pre-qualification: Yes
  • Rewards rate: 1%-2% cash back
  • Other fees: Balance transfer, cash advance, late payment, and returned payment fees
  • Card network: Discover
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Logo

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

4 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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Annual fee: $39
APR: 26.99% (variable)
Credit limit: $300+
Recommended credit score: 580-669
KEY FACTS
PRODUCT DETAILS
PROS & CONS
  • Pre-qualification: Yes
  • Rewards rate: 1.5% cash back
  • Other fees: Cash advance, late payment, and balance transfer fee
  • Card network: Mastercard
Quick Breakdown

Top Credit Cards for a 600 Credit Score - Our Picks:

  • Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® - Best for avoiding fees
  • Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® - Best for large purchases
  • Surge Mastercard® - Best for free monthly credit score reports
  • Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® - Best if you have red flags on a credit report
  • Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® - Best for a simple application process
  • OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card - Best for no or poor credit score
  • First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card - Best for low APR
  • Avant Credit Card - Best for foreign transactions
  • Capital One Platinum Mastercard - Best unsecured credit card
  • Capital One Secured Mastercard - Best for the lower end of fair credit
  • Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit - Best for cashback rewards
  • Discover it Secured Credit Card - Best for intro APR
  • Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card - Best for flat-rate rewards

In-Depth Reviews of Credit Cards for a 600 Credit Score

Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® Review

Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® Review Logo Apply Now

On Official Website

Credit score range:
Excellent, Good, Fair, Average
Credit limit:
$500-$25,000
Pre-qualification:
Yes
Rewards rate:
1.5% cash back
Regular APR:
14.99%-29.99%
Annual fee:
$0
Other fees:
Foreign trans fee up to 3%
Card network:
Visa

Unlike most other options on our list, the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® combines the convenience of a credit card with the lower rates of a personal loan product. As one of the best credit cards for fair credit, it offers a lot of flexibility, doesn’t impose maintenance, transaction, or penalty fees, and even offers 1.5% cashback rewards. 

APR and Fees

Before we move on to discussing the costs you’ll face as an Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® card owner, let’s talk about the mechanism behind this financial product. Here’s how it works: When you sign up for the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®, you’ll qualify for a personal line of credit. At the end of the month, all the purchases you’ve made using this high-limit credit card for fair credit card will be combined in a single amount and placed into an installment repayment plan with monthly payments. Depending on your creditworthiness and the credit line, you’ll face an APR between 14.99% and 29.99%.

Apart from the aforementioned interest rate, this hybrid credit card/personal loan product doesn’t impose any other types of costs. There are no monthly, ATM, cash advance, cash reload, balance inquiry, customer service, inactivity. But it has a balance transfer fee of up to 5% and foreign transaction fee of up to 3%.

Reasons to Choose the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®

One of the things that make the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® one of the top-rated high-limit credit cards for fair credit is its lucrative rewards program. Cardholders earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases after repaying them, and all earnings are applied to their card’s next month’s balance, almost like a bill prepayment.

Additionally, given that its issuer reports on-time payments to the three major credit bureaus, this card can help you build your FICO scores over time with responsible use.

Another great thing about the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® is that it treats your credit card balance like a personal loan. Each time you don’t pay your bill in full, you’ll be charged a rate on the remaining amount. Depending on what you’ve qualified for, you’ll have 24, 36, or 60 months to repay the balance in equal monthly installments. As one of the top credit cards for fair credit, the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® can debit the payments directly from your bank account and doesn’t impose prepayment penalties. 

This card also lets you see what credit line you’ll be able to qualify for without performing a hard pull on your credit report, which is a rare but welcome feature. 

Reasons to Explore Other Options

As far as drawbacks go, this card lacks some of the standard features found in similar cards, such as a sign-up bonus or a 0% introductory APR period on purchases and balance transfers.

Although it’s considered the best credit card for average credit for its lack of fees, the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® still may not offer the most attractive interest rates, especially if your credit score is less than stellar. 

Lastly, keep in mind that this credit card/personal loan hybrid product isn’t available to residents of Iowa, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

At a Glance

  • Generous cashback rewards
  • Credit limit of up to $25,000
  • No annual fee
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Surge® Platinum Mastercard® Review

Surge® Platinum Mastercard® Review Logo Apply Now

On Official Website

Credit score range:
300-629
Credit limit:
$300-$1,000 (initial)
Pre-qualification:
Yes
Rewards Rate:
N/A
Regular APR:
29.99% (variable)
Annual Fee:
$75-$125, after that $99 - $125 annually
Other Fees:
Monthly maintenance, cash advance, returned payment, and late payment fee
Card Network:
Mastercard

Issued by Celtic Bank and serviced by Continental Finance, a US financial services company, Surge® Platinum Mastercard® is one of the best credit cards for fair credit on the market. With its potentially high initial credit limit, the possibility to increase it after six months, and the fact that the card issuer reports payment information to the three major credit bureaus, there is a lot to like about this card.

APR and Fees

As far as the annual percentage rates go, like most other fair-credit solutions, the Surge® Platinum Mastercard® credit card doesn’t provide an introductory APR offer. The ongoing rate for purchase and balance transfer is 29.99% variable. There isn’t a penalty rate.

As for the fees, this average credit card comes with an annual cost. During your first year of card membership, you’ll be charged a fee between $75 - $125, after that $99 - $125 annually. Note that there’s also a monthly maintenance cost that can go up to $10 per month. On the plus side, this cost is waived for the first year. Also keep in mind that there’s a foreign transaction fee of up to 3% of each transaction in US dollars and a cash advance charge which will set you back either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater. Lastly, both late and returned payments on your Surge® Platinum Mastercard® for fair credit incur charges of up to $41. 

Reasons to Choose the Surge® Platinum Mastercard®

As a poor or fair credit consumer, you expect your credit card to help you build your score by reporting your on-time payment information to the three major consumer credit bureaus. We’re happy to inform you that Surge® Platinum Mastercard® will do just that. 

Another good reason to choose this solution by Continental Finance is that prospective card owners can qualify for a credit line of between $300 and $1,000 and potentially get approved for an increase of up to $2,000 after just six months of responsible use.

Other useful features that put this option among the top-rated credit cards for 600 credit score include $0 fraud liability and a credit score report in your monthly e-statements. 

Reasons to Explore Other Options

While it’s certainly a solid option for fair-credit consumers, Surge® Platinum Mastercard® also comes with several drawbacks. 

Not only does the company charge a high annual fee but this card also comes with a long list of additional fees that other competitors may not impose. Moreover, it comes with no signup bonus, and there are no ongoing rewards, either. 

At a Glance

  • Reports to the three major credit bureau
  • Initial credit limit up to $1,000 (subject to available credit)
  • Credit score in monthly statements
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First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card Review

First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card Review Logo Apply Now

On Official Website

Credit score range:
None
Credit limit:
200+
Pre-qualification:
Yes
Rewards rate:
None
Regular APR:
15.24% (variable) for purchases, 24.24% (variable) for cash advances
Annual fee:
$49
Other fees:
Late payment, returned payment, cash advance, and foreign transaction fees
Card network:
Mastercard

This is another great option if you’re in the market for a low-interest credit card for fair credit scores. Once you’re approved for the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card, you’ll automatically qualify for two other secured cards from the same bank.  

Although the card comes with high annual fees and doesn’t offer any rewards, its low-interest rate and easy-to-meet requirements make it one of the best financial solutions on our list. 

APR and Fees

The Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card has an annual fee of $49. Although there are other credit cards for fair credit with no annual fee, there is no shortage of programs that charge more than the First Progress line.

In addition to the annual fee, there is a cash advance fee of $10 or 3% of each cash advance. If you sign up to use this card, you’ll also be charged for any foreign transactions, which equals 3% of the transaction amount. 

Moreover, the Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card slaps customers with penalties of up to $41 for late payments, while the returned payment fee goes up to $29. 

Reasons to Choose the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card

The Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card is one of the top credit cards for fair credit. There are no minimum credit score or credit history requirements. Additionally, the service provides monthly reports to all three major credit bureaus, meaning that you can boost your credit score by making regular payments. 

One of the main reasons this card made our list is the relatively low APR, which is 15.24% (variable) for purchases and 24.24% (variable) for a cash advance. Compared to other credit cards with bad credit, the APR is among the lowest you can find. 

Reasons to Explore Other Options

If you are looking for the best unsecured credit cards for fair credit, the Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card isn’t for you. The secured card has a revolving line of credit. The minimum deposit is $200, and it’s a bit complicated to add more money to increase your credit line. 

The service is available in all 50 US states.

At a Glance

  • No credit check
  • Reports to three major credit agencies
  • Refundable deposit
  • 25-day grace period
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Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® Review

Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® Review Logo Apply Now

On Official Website

Credit score range:
300-629
Credit limit:
$300-$1,000 (initial)
Pre-qualification:
Yes
Rewards rate:
N/A
Regular APR:
29.99% (variable)
Annual fee:
See Terms
Other fees:
Cash advance, foreign transaction, late payment, additional card, and returned payment fee
Card network:
Mastercard

Issued by the Utah-based Celtic Bank and serviced by Continental Finance, Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® is one of the easiest credit cards to get with average credit. Even though this is a fee-heavy card that caters to consumers with limited credit, it still has a few attractive features, such as a fast application process and monthly access to your credit score.  

APR and Fees

Considering that the Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® charges an APR of 29.99% (variable) for both purchases and balance transfers, carrying a balance on this credit card isn’t a great idea.

This card charges an annual fee which will set you back between $75 - $125, after that $99 - $125 annually. Note that there’s also a $30 additional card charge. Taking a cash advance will cost you either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater. Foreign transaction fees go up to 3% per item. Returned payments and late payments can cost you up to $40 per item. 

Reasons to Choose the Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®

As one of the credit cards for fair credit with high limits, the Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® offers an initial credit line between $300 and $1,000. However, even if you can only qualify for the lowest limit at the moment of application, note that you’ll be considered for a credit limit increase of up to $2000 after just six months of card membership. 

Considering that this card is geared towards poor- and fair-credit consumers, it helps you build or re-establish your score by reporting payment information to the three major credit bureaus. 

 Another useful feature offered by Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® is $0 fraud liability. Thanks to this benefit, card owners can rest assured that they won’t be held responsible for any unauthorized charges on their cards.

Reasons to Explore Other Options

Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® is hardly among low-interest credit cards for average credit. Not only does it charge a high APR, but also an annual fee and a long list of additional costs. 

Meeting the eligibility criteria and completing the application process for this card is quick and easy, but there are better options on the market for fair-credit applicants. Note that Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® requires a checking account - unlike a few other options on our list. Moreover, it lacks some of the more advanced cardmember benefits such as a rewards program, a signup bonus, and a 0% intro APR offer. 

At a Glance

  • Reports to the three major credit bureaus
  • 0% fraud liability
  • Quick and easy application process
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OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card Logo Apply Now

On Official Website

Credit score range:
N/A
Credit limit:
$200-$3,000 (initial)
Pre-qualification:
No
Rewards rate:
No
Regular APR:
25.64% (variable)
Annual fee:
$35
Other fees:
Cash advance, foreign transaction, late payment, and returned payment fee
Card network:
Visa

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is issued by the Capital Bank N.A., and is one of the best credit cards for poor to fair credit - perfect for those looking to build or improve their credit quickly. Low APR, secured credit, and small fees make it a decently cost-effective choice. The significant downside of this card is that it does not offer any rewards or cash-back programs.  

APR and Fees

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card has a low APR of 25.64% (variable) and many small fees. There is a $35 annual fee, and the late payment fee can go up to $40. Luckily, the returned payment fee is only $25. The foreign transaction fee is also something to keep in mind, standing at 3% per transaction, making it not the best option on this list of credit cards for 600 credit score if you travel abroad frequently. 

Reasons to Choose the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

One of the main reasons to consider this card is that there is no credit score requirement, and OpenSky will not check your credit score upon approval. So, if you have bad credit or no credit, this could be an excellent option for you. 

Additionally, it is a secured card, which means your deposit will secure your line of credit. The deposit you place can be anywhere between $200 and $3,000, which is fully refundable and will be returned to you if you decide to close your account and go with an unsecured credit card for 600 credit score instead.

OpenSky reports to all three bureaus, so using this card responsibly can help you build your credit quickly. As always, it is recommended to use approximately 30% of your credit limit each month to achieve the best results. 

Finally, the approval process is quick and easy. With OpenSky, you'll know whether you are approved for a card or not in a matter of minutes, and you can handle the whole process entirely online in less than five minutes. If you are looking to make a big purchase and need to improve your credit score to get better rates, you can start building your credit right away with OpenSky as it’s one of the easiest credit cards to get with fair credit. 

Reasons to Explore Other Options

The biggest downside of the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is that it does not offer any rewards or cash-back programs. People who travel frequently or dine out often should most certainly check other options. Additionally, there is no introductory APR, so if you want to save on interest, this might not be the best option, and you should certainly check for other balance transfer cards for fair credit.

At a Glance

  • Quick approval process
  • No credit score requirement
  • Reports to all three major bureaus
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Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card Review

Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card Review Logo Apply Now

On Official Website

Credit score range:
No minimum credit score requirement
Credit limit:
$200-$1000
Pre-qualification:
Yes
Rewards rate:
No
Regular APR:
9.99% fixed
Annual fee:
$48
Other fees:
Cash advance, foreign transaction, late payment, returned payment fees
Card network:
Visa

If you’re looking for the best credit cards for an under-600 credit score, the Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred Credit Card is the perfect option. This is one of the easiest credit cards to get because the bank doesn’t do a credit check and there is no minimum credit score required. That means approval is guaranteed even if you have a poor credit score and red flags on your report.

With a low fixed interest rate, this is definitely one of the best solutions for card holders struggling to improve their credit score. If you pay your bills on time, you can expect significant improvements in your score relatively quickly. 

APR and Fees

When compared to other credit cards with fair credit applicants, the Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred Credit Card stands out for charging the lowest interest rate in the industry. The card comes with a fixed APR of 9.99%, so you don’t need to worry about market fluctuations. 

It’s also important to mention that the bank won’t charge you application fees, and what’s more important, it doesn’t charge penalty APR.

However, there are other fees that you need to know about. First of all, the bank will charge you an annual fee of $48. The sum is automatically taken from your account after you make an initial deposit. This best credit card for fair credit comes with a few additional fees including $38 for late payments as well as a $30 stop payment fee and a 3% foreign transaction fee. Customers will also be charged for any additional or replacement cards.   

Reasons to Choose the Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred Credit Card

Designed for clients who don’t have a good credit score but want to rebuild it, the Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred Credit Card has a large pool of customers. This is one of the best credit cards for fair credit because there are no minimum credit score requirements, and it’s remarkably easy to get approved.

Another great thing about the card is that customers can benefit from automatic reporting to all three national credit bureaus. This will help you improve your credit score if you pay your bills on time. In addition, it’s important to note that the aforementioned APR is hard to find anywhere else, even if your credit score is higher than 600. 

You have to deposit a minimum of $200 or a maximum of $1000 to activate the card. However, you can also increase your credit limit up to $5000 by making additional deposits. 

Reasons to Explore Other Options

If you’re looking for credit cards for fair credit with no annual fee, this is not the right card for you. In addition to the $48 annual fee, which is higher than with any other option on our list, the bank charges a long list of other fees. 

Unlike many of its counterparts, the Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred Credit Card doesn’t have a grace period, and customers are charged interest right off the bat. Also, some customers might be disappointed to learn that there is no rewards program available. 

At a Glance

  • No credit check
  • Flexible deposits
  • Low APR
  • Automatic reports to three national credit bureaus
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Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card Review

Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card Review Logo Apply Now

On Official Website

Credit score range:
630-850
Credit limit:
$300-$10,000
Pre-approval:
Yes
Rewards rate:
1%-1.5% cash back on eligible purchases; 2%-10% cash back at select merchants
Regular APR:
18.24% - 32.24% (variable)
Annual fee:
$0
Other fees:
None
Card network:
Visa

Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® is one of the easiest credit cards to get with fair credit. Offered by WebBank, Member FDIC, this card doesn’t charge fees of any kind. Furthermore, it helps you build your credit and encourages you to make on-time payments with its higher cashback reward rates. 

APR and Fees

Much like most other cards geared toward consumers with less-than-stellar credit, the Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® doesn’t have an intro APR offer. The ongoing rate is 18.24% - 32.24% (variable), determined based on the applicant’s creditworthiness. 

On the plus side, this Visa card for fair credit stays true to its name and doesn’t impose monthly maintenance fees, foreign transaction fees, or penalty charges such as returned or late payment fees. 

Reasons to Choose Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® 

The Petal 2 card may be a 600-credit-score card, but that doesn’t mean it lacks premium features. 

First, let’s discuss the card’s reward policy. As a new card holder, you receive 1% cashback on all eligible purchases. If you make six on-time payments, you’ll receive 1.25% cashback on all eligible purchases. Finally, if you make 12 timely payments, your cashback rate will increase to 1.5%.

Furthermore, through Petal Offers, this Visa credit card for fair credit can earn you an additional 2% to 10% cashbacks at select merchants. Keep in mind that the rewards earned via Petal Offers will be applied to your credit card account in the form of cashback points (a middleman reward currency) that you can redeem for cash.

In addition to a solid reward program, a great thing about the Petal 2 card is that its issuer looks at the bigger picture when evaluating applications. In other words, alongside your credit score, the bank may also analyze your income, savings, and spending, so you’ll stand a better chance of qualifying for this credit card even with fair credit.

It’s also important to mention that this credit-building card doesn't require a security deposit and has a credit limit up to $10,000 based on creditworthiness.

Reasons to Explore Other Options

The Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® also comes with a few disadvantages. 

First, unlike the Avant credit card, it doesn't let you take cash advances. Although they can end up costing you a lot in fees and interest, these short-term loans come in handy if you happen to need some cash quickly. 

Another drawback of this credit card for fair-credit applicants is that it doesn’t let you change your minimum deposit due date. If this is a deal-breaker for you, we suggest you check out Secured Mastercard® offered by Capital One.

At a Glance 

  • No fees of any kind
  • 2%-10% cashback at select merchants
  • Potentially high credit limit
+ Show more
Read Full Review

Avant Credit Card Review

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On Official Website

Credit score range:
600-700
Credit limit:
$300-$1000
Pre-qualification:
Yes
Rewards rate:
N/A
Regular APR:
24.99%-29.99% (variable)
Annual fee:
$0-$59
Other fees:
Cash advance and late payment fees
Card network:
Mastercard

Speaking of credit cards for a credit score of 600, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the Avant credit card. Tailored to credit rebuilders, sensible borrowers, and younger consumers, this financial product doesn’t require a security deposit, has no hidden fees, and boasts a fast and easy application process with a pre-approval opportunity. 

APR and Fees

Cost transparency is a hallmark of the Avant Credit Card issuer: There’s no intro APR and the regular annual percentage rate ranges between 24.99%-29.99%. Keep in mind that the APR is variable and determined by your creditworthiness. 

An annual fee is a staple of most credit cards for average credit, and the Avant card is no different. Depending on your credit history, you will be charged a minimum of $29 up to a maximum of $59 per year. In terms of additional costs, there’s a cash advance fee - the greater of 3% of the transaction amount and $10 - and a late payment charge of up to $39. On the other hand, there are no foreign transaction fees. 

Reasons to Choose the Avant Credit Card

Marketed as simple and transparent, the Avant credit card comes with a long list of advantages. Unlike most credit cards for a score of 600, this option is unsecured, which means that it grants you a credit limit between $300 and $1,000 to help you build your credit score and pay for what you need without asking for a security deposit.

Another great thing about it is that you won't have to submit a full application and undergo a hard credit check just to find out if you're eligible to receive it. Avant offers a quick and easy pre-qualification option that will let you see if you qualify for the card and if so, review your likely credit limit and annual fee without damaging your FICO score. 

As one of the best cards for fair credit, the Avant card lets you make purchases outside the US without additional costs. Many cards aimed at those with an average credit score charge a 3%, or even higher foreign transaction fee, so the Avant Credit Card is an excellent choice for those doing business with foreign vendors or who travel internationally a lot.  

This card issuer also offers zero fraud liability for unauthorized charges, reports your payment information to all three major credit bureaus, and reviews your account periodically for a potential credit limit boost. 

Reasons to Explore Other Options

Many of the top credit cards for people with a 600 credit score don’t have an annual fee. Therefore, the relatively low Avant Credit Card yearly membership charge is a drawback nonetheless. 

Rewards or one-time offers aren’t Avant’s strong points, either. While reward-earning opportunities aren’t the industry standard for starter cards, some do offer them, just not Avant.

Unlike most other credit cards on our list, the Avant card doesn’t let you adjust your payment to better match your financial situation. 

Don't expect any travel extras or similar cardmember benefits from this card aimed at people with a FICO score of 600, either. 

At a Glance

  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Quick and easy pre-qualification
  • Reports to all three credit bureaus
+ Show more

Capital One Platinum Credit Card Review

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On Official Website

Credit score range:
580-669
Credit limit:
$300+
Pre-qualification:
Yes
Rewards rate:
N/A
Regular APR:
26.99% (variable)
Annual fee:
$0
Other fees:
Cash advance and late payment fees
Card network:
Mastercard

If your credit history isn’t the longest, or you've made financial mistakes in the past, applying for a card such as the Platinum Mastercard from Capital One could be a smart decision. Geared towards people with a credit score of 600, this card stands out with its lack of annual fee and long list of valuable perks to make your credit-building journey more bearable. Though the APR is quite high, the Capital One Platinum credit card is still a solid choice for consumers who plan on using it mainly for small purchases and don’t intend to carry a balance. 

APR and Fees

With no introductory APR offer, the regular APR for purchases and balance transfers is 26.99% (variable). While the high annual percentage rate isn’t a problem for those who pay their credit card bills in full every month, we suggest you explore other credit card offers for fair credit if you expect to carry over debt from month to month.

It’s also important to mention that, as a Capital One Platinum user, you get to choose your due date. In other words, the card lets you schedule payments according to your cash flow and pick the time of the month that best suits your unique situation. Also, if you happen to make a late payment, you won't be charged a penalty annual percentage rate. 

As one of the best no-annual-fee credit cards for fair credit, the Platinum Mastercard from Capital One doesn't come with a membership cost. There are also no foreign transaction fees; however, you'll be charged either $10 or 3% of each cash advance, whichever is greater. As far as penalty charges go, there's a late payment fee that can go up to $40. 

Reasons to Choose the Capital One Platinum Mastercard

Capital One Platinum is an unsecured credit card: In this context, “unsecured” means that you don’t need to put up collateral - a security deposit that can be applied to the card balance in the event you default on your credit card account. Considering that good unsecured credit cards for fair credit are quite rare, this is definitely an upside.

Another significant advantage of Capital One Platinum is the chance to boost your credit limit (also referred to as the credit line) in as little as six months. This is important because a higher credit limit (if it’s not used) can improve your score by lowering your credit utilization ratio. All you have to do to get your credit line increased is make timely payments for the first half a year.

Additionally, given that this credit card for fair credit reports to all three major bureaus - Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion - it can help build your credit. Unless your payment history is recorded by all three bureaus, your credit information may be incomplete and your score miscalculated. 

The Capital One Platinum credit card belongs to the Mastercard family and comes with several network-specific advantages. Benefits include fraud coverage, 24-hour travel and roadside assistance, auto rental and travel accident insurance, price protection, and extended warranty coverage. 

Reasons to Explore Other Options

Although it’s one of the most popular credit cards for a credit score of around 600, Capital One Platinum does have a few disadvantages. First of all, it doesn't offer any type of reward. If you're hoping to accumulate bonus points, miles, or cash rewards, you'll have to look elsewhere. Second of all, carrying a balance does get quite expensive. 

In addition to these obvious disadvantages, it’s also worth mentioning that limits on this card tend to be lower for applicants with average credit. The lowest credit limit that you can be approved for on this fair credit card is $300. 

At a Glance

  • Boost your credit limit in 6 months
  • No annual fees
  • Fraud coverage
+ Show more

Capital One Secured Mastercard Review

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On Official Website

Credit score range:
300-629
Credit limit:
$200+
Pre-qualification:
Yes
Rewards rate:
N/A
Regular APR:
26.99% (variable)
Annual fee:
$0
Other fees:
Cash advance, balance transfer, and late payment fees
Card network:
Mastercard

If you've just started building your score or you need help bringing your credit profile out of the gutter, the chances of getting approved for an unsecured credit card are slim. The good news is, you have other options. There are secured fair credit cards with flexible deposit requirements that don't charge annual fees and give you a chance to boost your credit line after only six timely monthly payments - the Secured Mastercard from Capital One ticks all of these boxes.

APR and Fees

Like most credit-building cards, Capital One Secured Mastercard doesn’t offer an introductory APR, while the regular APR for both balance transfers and purchases is 26.99% (variable). On the other hand, it lets you choose not only your due date but also your preferred payment method, which makes this financial product one of the most sought-after fair-credit credit cards. You can pay your bill online, write a check, or visit a local branch to make the transaction. 

There are no annual membership or foreign transaction charges. There is a penalty fee for each late payment, however, and it goes up to $40. Also, remember that you’ll be charged at least $10 or 3% of the transaction amount for each cash advance and 3% of the amount of each balance transfer.

Reasons to Choose the Capital One Secured Mastercard

Geared towards consumers who are building or rebuilding their credit scores, this secured credit card has a large target market. Its security deposit-related flexibility is a particularly popular feature: While most secured credit cards for below-600 credit score require you to match your credit line with the amount of your deposit, this one has a different approach. Once you apply for the Capital One Secured Mastercard, the issuer will use your credit score to determine how much you’ll need to pay upfront as a guarantee. Depending on your credit profile, you’ll need to pay a refundable deposit of $49, $99, or $200 to unlock your initial $200 credit limit.

Consideration for a higher credit limit might come very quickly. All you have to do to boost it and possibly reduce your credit utilization ratio is make six on-time monthly payments. You won’t be required to deposit more money when your credit line increases, either.

One of the most reliable credit cards for fair credit, the Secured Mastercard from Capital One offers zero fraud liability, security alerts, autopay, 24/7 customer service, travel assistance, auto rental and travel insurance, and an extended warranty.  

Reasons to Explore Other Options 

If your credit score is at the lower end of fair (or even poor), and you need to rebuild it, the Capital One Secured Mastercard is excellent to work with. Still, if you can qualify for an unsecured credit card, we suggest you do so to avoid the otherwise required security deposit. 

Other drawbacks you’ll have to face if you decide to sign up for this secured card for fair credit include high-interest rates, a low initial credit limit, and no rewards.

At a Glance

  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Security deposit lower than the credit limit
  • Excellent for rebuilding credit
+ Show more

Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit Review

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On Official Website

Credit score range:
580-669
Credit limit:
$300+
Pre-qualification:
Yes
Rewards rate:
1% cash back on eligible gas, grocery purchases and mobile phone, internet, cable and satellite TV services
Regular APR:
23.99% (variable)
Annual fee:
$75 for the first year. After that, $99 annually ($8.25 per month)
Other fees:
Cash advance, foreign transaction, late payment, returned payment fees
Card network:
Visa

Created with consumers with modest credit histories in mind, the Credit One Bank Visa for Rebuilding Credit is one of the best unsecured credit cards for a 600 credit score. An excellent card for general use, it offers 1% cashback rewards on eligible everyday purchases, no annual fee for qualifying applicants, and zero fraud liability.

APR and Fees

Like most credit cards in this range, the Credit One Bank Visa for Rebuilding Credit doesn’t have an introductory APR offer. The annual percentage rate for cash advances and purchases is 23.99% (variable).

Although one of the best cards for a 600 credit score, this credit-rebuilding Visa comes with an annual fee. You will be charged a $75 annual membership fee in the first year and $99 afterward (in monthly installments of $8.25).

There’s a cash advance fee (the greater of $5 or 8% of each cash advance, or the greater of $10 or 3-5%) and a foreign transaction charge (either $1 or 3% of each purchase in US dollars - whichever is greater). There are also potential penalty costs, such as the late payment and returned payment fees, both of which go up to $39. 

Reasons to Choose the Credit One Bank Visa for Rebuilding Credit

Credit cards for a 600 credit score can still come with plenty of advantages and premium features. One of the things that set the Credit One Bank Visa for Rebuilding Credit apart from its immediate competitors is its rewards policy. As a cardmember, you get 1% cashback rewards on qualifying purchases including groceries, gas, and services such as cable and satellite TV, internet, and mobile phone.

Given that the card issuer lets you go through a quick pre-qualification procedure, you can check if you’re eligible for the card without undergoing a credit check that may lower your credit score. 

As one of the best credit cards for fair credit, Credit One Bank Visa lets you access your Experian credit report summary for free. An especially useful feature if you are building or rebuilding your credit profile, it allows you to keep an eye on the factors impacting your credit health.

Other benefits include the opportunity for increasing your credit limit after a while, zero fraud liability, and managing your account via the Credit One Bank mobile app.

Reasons to Explore Other Options 

Since it doesn’t make you sacrifice rewards while helping you build or rebuild your credit profile, this card is truly one of the best cash back credit cards for fair credit. However, Credit One Bank Visa does come with a few drawbacks you should be aware of. 

With no grace period on purchases, you’ll be accruing relatively high interest rates on your transactions from day one. And, in addition to the potential annual membership fee, there are foreign transactions, cash advance, late payment, and returned payment fees to think about.

At a Glance

  • Cashback rewards on everyday purchases
  • Simple pre-qualification process
  • Credit line increase potential
+ Show more

Discover it Secured Review

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On Official Website

Credit score range:
300-629
Credit limit:
$200+
Pre-qualification:
Yes
Rewards rate:
1%-2% cash back
Regular APR:
22.99% (variable)
Annual fee:
$0
Other fees:
Balance transfer, cash advance, late payment, returned payment fees
Card network:
Discover

Newbie credit users or those looking to rebuild their profile might find they’re best served by the Discover it Secured, a credit card that requires a refundable security deposit. But don’t let the deposit daunt you - as one of the best credit cards for a 600 credit score, it also offers 2% cash back up to $1000 on select purchasing categories, unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases, and unlimited cash back matching on all rewards earned throughout your first year as a cardholder.

APR and Fees

Customarily, credit card offers for low-credit applicants do not include an introductory annual percentage rate, but Discover it Secured is a champion among cards. For six months, starting from the date of your first transfer, you get a 10.99% intro APR on balance transfers. After the promotional period expires, your APR will be 22.99% on balance transfers (and purchases) and 24.99% on cash advances (both variable). But no penalty APR!

If you’re on the hunt for credit cards for a less-than-600 credit score, but can’t justify paying an annual fee, you'll be happy to hear that the Discover it Secured carries no such charges. However, there are a few other standard fees you should be aware of: The balance transfer fee (3% in the intro period and 5% of each transfer amount afterward), cash advance fee (either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance), late payment fee (up to $40, waived for the first time late payment), and returned payment fee (up to $40).

Reasons to Choose the Discover it Secured Credit Card

As one of the best credit cards for a credit score of 600, Discover it Secured comes with many benefits that cards for consumers with modest credit histories usually skimp on. 

First of all, this card doesn’t make you give up on rewards while building your credit profile. It earns you 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations for the first $1,000 in combined purchases every three months. Additionally, on all other purchases, you get unlimited 1% cash back. To top it off, there is an unlimited dollar-for-dollar bonus match on all the cash back accumulated in your first year as a cardholder. 

Another reason the Discover it Secured card is considered to be one of the best credit cards for poor to fair credit is that the issuer reviews your credit profile each month to determine whether you can transition to an unsecured account. Keep in mind that you’ll need to be a cardmember for eight months before these automatic monthly reviews can start.

Discover it Secured can be a great asset in building your credit history, as it reports to the three credit bureaus. It also lets you see your FICO score online, on statements, or via the Discover mobile app, all without hurting your credit. 

As the best credit card for building credit, the card waives several fees, too: Paying late won't raise your annual percentage rate (i.e. no penalty APR) and you’ll be forgiven your late fee the first time you miss a timely payment.

Reasons to Explore Other Options

One of the biggest drawbacks of this Discover card is the minimum deposit requirement of $200. The lowest credit limit that you can get approved for happens to be the same. 

Though the Discover it Secured card is among the best credit cards for an under-600 credit score offering a lower introductory APR, its ongoing rate is quite high.

Unlike Visa or Mastercard credit cards, Discover cards are not widely accepted outside the United States. If you travel abroad a lot or make purchases with foreign vendors frequently, you will either need to severely limit your spending or, as we would suggest, look into alternative options. 

At a Glance

  • No penalty APR
  • No annual membership fee
  • Potential upgrade to an unsecured credit card
+ Show more

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

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On Official Website

Credit score range:
580-669
Credit limit:
$300+
Pre-qualification:
Yes
Rewards rate:
1.5% cash back
Regular APR:
24.99% (variable) for purchases and cash advances
Annual fee:
$39
Other fees:
Cash advance, balance transfer, and late payment fee
Card network:
Mastercard

As one of the best credit cards to get with fair credit, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards offers an excellent cash rewards rate along with advanced card benefits such as credit monitoring, fraud coverage, and automatic credit line reviews. 

APR and Fees

There isn’t an introductory APR offer with the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards. The ongoing rate is 26.99% (variable) for both purchases and cash advances. Unlike the Indigo® Platinum Mastercard®, this Capital One option doesn’t impose a penalty APR. 

Unlike their other card on our list, Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards comes with an annual fee of $39. As far as other costs go, there’s the 3% balance transfer fee. Cash advances also incur a 3% charge or at least $10. As one of the top credit cards for fair-credit travelers, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards doesn’t impose a foreign transaction fee. Lastly, keep in mind that should you fail to make an on-time payment, you’ll face a penalty charge of up to $40.

Reasons to Choose the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

One of the features that make this card stand out from the crowd is that it lets you earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, every day. The accumulated rewards don’t expire for the life of your account and you can redeem them for cash (receive a check in the mail) or statement credit, use the cashback rewards to cover your recent purchases or spend them on gift cards. 

Although a 600 credit score credit card, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards also comes with a list of advanced card benefits such as $0 fraud liability, account and security alerts, card lock, emergency card replacement, balance transfer capabilities, and the opportunity to monitor your credit profile with the CreditWise app.

It’s also important to mention that as a Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards card user you can rest assured that your payment information will be reported to the three major consumer credit bureaus. Additionally, the card issuer will consider you automatically for a credit line increase after just six months of using this credit card for 600 credit score responsibly. 

Reasons to Explore Other Options

As far as drawbacks go, this card comes with a starting credit line of only $300. Add the $39 annual fee to the mix and you’ll see that there is a real risk of damaging your credit score due to a high credit utilization ratio.

Furthermore, the card comes with an above-average APR along with a list of additional charges such as penalty fees. 

Lastly, even though it offers an ongoing reward program, unlike some of the top-rated 600 credit score credit cards, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards doesn’t have a welcome bonus.

At a Glance

  • Generous flat-rate cashback rewards
  • Allows pre-qualification
  • No foreign transaction fees
+ Show more

How Can You Improve Your Score by Using a Credit Card for Fair Credit?

You probably know that your credit score is one of the most important indicators of your financial health. Checking your score is the first step lenders take when evaluating how responsibly you use money. The higher your score, the smoother your approval process for good rates on insurance plans, mortgages, business loans, and credit cards. 

If you’re a credit newcomer or rebuilding your profile, there’s a number of ways to improve your credit score - just keep in mind that the process takes a bit of time and effort.  First, however, you might want to see why has your credit score decreased in the first place.

Getting a new credit card is one of the steps we suggest you take on your credit-building journey. Say your score is around 600 and you’re unsure whether you can apply for a credit card with fair credit.

The good news is that not only are there credit card options for low- and average-credit applicants, but these financial products also help you move up to good or even excellent credit, as long as you use them responsibly. 

So, how do easy-to-get credit cards work towards building your credit profile? The mechanism is pretty simple: The card issuer reports details about your account to the three major credit reporting agencies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - which they then use to form the basis of your credit score. 

However, even the best credit cards for people with fair credit won’t do you any good if you don’t understand the key elements of your score and how your financial decisions affect them. Here’s an overview:

  • Payment history. Considering that payment history is one of the most important factors in your credit score, paying your bills on time every month is essential. The benefits of doing so are quite obvious - you get to avoid costly late fees, as well as the APR on any outstanding amounts. So, if possible, we suggest you pay off your balance in full every month. That way you won’t be charged interest on what you owe and credit cards for a fair credit score usually come with high APRs. 
  • Credit utilization. After payment history, the credit utilization ratio is the second-largest factor in your scores. It’s defined as the amount you owe, expressed as a percentage of your available credit. For example, if you have a credit limit of $500 and $200 on your balance, your credit utilization is 40%. We suggest you try and stay under the 30% benchmark. This might be hard to achieve, as the utilization rate is directly dependent on the credit limit, and even the best credit cards for average credit usually keep that pretty low. Still, paying your bill in full each month also helps keep this factor in check.
  • Credit mix. Credit scoring formulas are quite complex and take many factors into account. You should keep in mind that they tend to reward consumers who prove that they can handle different types of credit. What this means in practice is that, ideally, you should have both installment loans and revolving accounts in your credit mix.
  • Credit history length. If you’re searching for credit cards for a FICO score of around 600, it probably means that you are at the beginning of your credit-building journey. However, given that the length of your credit history is one of the factors credit score calculations take into account, the sooner you can find the right card, the better.
Evaluation Criteria

Our Methodology for Evaluating Credit Cards for a Credit Score of Around 600

Before we dive into the advantages and disadvantages of our top picks among the most sought-after fair-credit credit cards, we’d like to introduce you to our methodology. It contains the most important factors we suggest you take into account when choosing the best option for your credit situation and spending style.

Eligibility Requirements 

Given that this article focuses on evaluating the best credit cards for a specific credit score range, we made sure to focus on options that accept consumers new to credit or those that need to rebuild their profiles.

The issuers of the best credit cards for fair credit don’t just glance at your credit score when evaluating your application - they also take your overall financial situation into account.

APR

Even the best credit cards for fair to poor credit are notorious for their high annual percentage rates. The APR is always variable and charged both on balance transfers and purchases. Very few issuers (if any) offer 0% intro APR on both transaction types. We recommend you try and pay off your balance in full each month to avoid these high rates.

Fees

Low-interest credit cards for fair credit are hard to find, as are cards without any additional fees. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that different cards charge different types of fees. The most important costs to keep an eye out for include annual membership, balance transfer, cash advance, foreign transaction, late payment, and returned payment charges.

Credit Limit

A credit line (or a credit limit) is the maximum amount of money that an issuer is willing to extend to a client on a particular credit card account. Banks and similar financial institutions set credit limits based on the information provided by the credit-seeking applicant.

Credit cards for fair credit with high limits are very rare - starting lines that you can get approved for are usually between $200 and $300. If you sign up for a secured credit card, the security deposit you’ll need to put up will probably match your credit limit.

Pre-Qualification

The pre-qualification process is the initial evaluation of a consumer’s ability to qualify for a credit card. Not only is pre-qualification used to determine an applicant’s eligibility, but it’s also a great way for the consumer to overview the likely APR, fees, and other terms they may qualify for without losing any credit score points.

Rewards and Bonus Offers

Credit cards for a credit score under 600 usually don’t have generous rewards rates and welcome offers. Still, not all fair-credit cards make you give up on rewards while helping you build or rebuild your credit.

While bonus points and miles are mostly reserved for premium cards, there’s a selection of cashback credit cards for those with modest credit histories. 

FAQ

What credit card is good for a 600 credit score?

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Is your credit score around 600? While it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be approved for a prime card with your fair credit, there are still excellent options to choose from. We’ve done the research and come up with a list of the best credit cards for a 600 FICO score:

  • Capital One Platinum Mastercard review - Best unsecured credit card.
  • Capital One Secured Mastercard - Best for the lower end of fair credit.
  • Credit One Bank Visa for Rebuilding Credit - Best for cashback rewards.
  • Avant Credit Card - Best for foreign transactions.
  • Discover it Secured Credit Card - Best for intro APR.

Can I get approved for a credit card with a 600 credit score?

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The simple answer is - yes, you can. However, given that your credit score of 600 plants you firmly in the fair credit range, you’ll have a hard time qualifying for top-tier cards, as those usually require good to excellent credit. We suggest you check out some of the best credit cards for fair to good credit such as Capital One Platinum, Capital One Secured Mastercard, Credit One Bank Visa for Rebuilding Credit, Avant Credit Card, and the Discover it Secured credit card.

What credit cards build credit fast?

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If used properly, each legitimate credit card that you can get approved for can help you improve your credit score. When comparing credit card deals, make sure that you pick the card whose issuer will report your account details to all the major credit reporting agencies. Also, pay your bills on time and keep an eye on your credit utilization ratio to improve your score more quickly.

Which credit cards give you instant approval?

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Getting instant approval on credit cards for a 600 credit score is quite rare. However, most fair-credit cards grant you the opportunity to check your eligibility without damaging your score and get an idea of your likely credit limit, APR, and fees before signing the contract.

How much credit can I get with a 600 credit score?

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This depends on a number of factors, including your income and employement status, but generally, you will be able to borrow somewhere up to $50,000 on a 600 credit score.

How fast can I go from 600 to 700 credit score?

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If you don't have any negative items on your credit report, you can build your credit score from 600 to 700 in just a couple of months, simply by paying your bills on time.